11.09.2013

I confirmed another Xmas Crafternoon yesterday. I'm partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a Xmas upcycling workshop in their North Vancouver ReStore for December 8th. The time has not been confirmed but we have some materials from the store we'll be using in the workshop.

First our these glass balls. We're turning them into ornaments!

I've started collecting supplies for 3 sample updates. I want to drop these off before I go on my adventure on Monday.

I decided to incorporate some of my latest junk jewelry finds like this necklace from the Salvation Army for $3.99.

I also want to take apart this jewelry donation from a coworker.

Here's my first update using foliage from my parents' back garden. This ornament uses greenery, repurposed jewelry and ribbon. I really like it!

The next ornament will use more foliage and twine.

Here are my stash of supplies from today - items from the ReStore and foliage from my parents' garden.

I also want to use drawer pulls and an old cabinet for hanging decorations and stockings. Should be easy peasy!

And I've been collecting thrift store ornaments to update in the other Xmas Crafternoons. Feels weird to be thinking about Xmas just before heading off to a sunny place for some time off. Xmas crafting will be in full swing when I get back!

11.05.2013

Yup I'm crazy for my Crafternoons! Which is good since I have a bunch coming up. This past weekend I had a Crafternoon at my place. Was so much fun! I had old friends, new friends, workshop peeps... And my Mom. At some point there were 20 people in my one bedroom place. It was one of those crazy fun moments. Or maybe that was the mix of caffeine, sugar and crafting!

My buddy Diana took some photos - I did not. Bad blogger but I was playing hostess so was pretty distracted.
We made junk jewelry. A lot of people left with a few pieces of jewelry. I definitely have to plan another Crafternoon at my place in the new year!

I'm off on an adventure on Monday for 2 weeks. I'm heading back to Havana to trek around with a friend who lives there. It's going to be amazing since I'll get to experience a new perspective of Cuba. No touristy stuff and I can't say I'll ever do that all-inclusive thing anytime soon. Adventure awaits! Yay!

When I get back I have three Xmas Crafternoons set up. Here's promo poster number 1... It's pretty funsie plus I love the line - 'Denise is a bundle of effervescent energy and fun'. Here's hoping I am all those things!

I may have a couple of other workshops and happenings coming up in December. I'll keep you posted!

11.01.2013

This week I sanded it some more - used my trusty scraper to get rid of the shellac finish then added a stain and a bit oil. It's a beauty!

AFTER

BEFORE

Meanwhile my three crafty packages arrived. This is Danielle. I met her through the TV production company that approached me about trying out for a TV show. She's super fabulous so I sent her off some wine cork earrings and a pendant.

This is my BFF Rhonda. I've known her for over 20 years. We met at art school. She's rockin' some wine cork earrings and a scrap wood/paper pendant.

And here's my BFF Tara. I sent her and her son some funky pieces. This pendant is made using repurposed thrift store finds.

This weekend I'm finally cleaning up my place - I need to reorganize my workshop supplies, etc. And then Sunday I'm having a Crafternoon at my place. Old friends, new friends, workshop peeps and my Mom. It's gonna be a blast! Goodies, coffee, crafting, etc. So excited!

Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is a local author, crafter, upcycler and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver, BC. Her passion is to turn 'junk' into new and funky pieces. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating 'Crafternoons' throughout Vancouver.